Rule Change Propostions

[Beer League Barons]

Now that the season is over, congrats to the champs-Frost Giants, I wanted to formally begin a discussion about expanding the current minor league roster.  With more and more prospects being developed in the minors I feel that our contract league has a limited minor league roster that needs to grow with the current trends.  Looking at this years Calder Trophy contenders we have a 22 year old and a 24 year old as likely finalists.  Rookies in the top 10 are pushing into their 20's such as Parayako, Fabbri, Gostisbehere, Panarin, Gibson etc...  This means that our quality players we are drafting at 18 are potentially spending 2-5 years on our minor league rosters.  If we are drafting 4 a year on average, we are running out space rather quickly.  Especially if your team is rebuilding.  If the purpose of a contract league is to develop a team through drafting and salary cap management then I feel we should have the ability to hang onto our minor league talent and still continue to draft new talent in each years draft. 

I propose we bump the minor league roster to max size of 20 and expand the draft rounds to 5.  To keep free agency fun and exciting, the first three rounds should begin on the major league rosters at $2 and round 4-5 at $1.  This allows for the development of multiple positions in the minor leagues while getting the top talent to free agency in a timely manner after promotion.  With our rules on forced call ups teams won't be able to stockpile any additional NHL players and more difficult choices will need to be made in the future when a prospect is ready for the bigs.  Teams will need to either make a roster spot available or cut loose to free agency the prospect.

I look forward to much discussion.

Matt - Beer League Barons

[Frost Giant]

Thanks Barons! I agree totally that our minor league roster should be expanded. We have a 24 man major league roster, why not just match that and have a 24 man minor league roster. I think Barons is right, for the amount of time it takes for most draftees to make the NHL, having only 12 spots limits the effectiveness of our present minor league system. I'm not sure about the extra draft round, as it would fill the newly expanded roster that much faster. This is a great topic, thanks for bring it up Barons. I hope we can get this to a vote.

[Stark Direwolves]

I wouldn't mind seeing an expansion of minor league rosters to around 15. But I really don't like the idea of having to pay a 3rd rounder $2 upon entry. Also, I drafted Gostibehere this season. If I had called him up when the Flyers did, he would have only occupied a minor league roster spot for a few months. Just saying, since you mentioned him above.

[Lake Michigan Whales]

I have been asking for larger minor rosters for as long as I have been here. The larger the roster the better. I don't agree with the increase in dollar amount however.